Bob Edwards
Bob Edwards is the manager of Stubbers, a large multi adventure and outdoor education activity centre near London.
Bob sees that cooperation and information sharing are essential to the success and development of small, independent and not for profit operations and considers his position on the board as being a way of contributing to the industry.
In 2022 he became the new Chairman of the Mutual taking over from Andrew Gardiner.
Andrew Gardiner
Andrew Gardiner, originally a teacher in Birmingham, founded Acorn in 1982 when he set up a camp for schools in Wales. Since then Acorn has expanded to provide adventure programmes for schools, families and groups. He established The School Travel Company which is also an AIM member. He was a founder member of AIM, and is an enthusiastic supporter of mutuality as the best way to safeguard all parties involved in the provision of outdoor activities and residentials . He sees the Mutual as the way to encourage and share best practice, and to provide reliable support in uncertain times.
Peter Gordon
Finance Director of Rockley Watersports, Peter started life as a dinghy instructor and slowly worked upwards. He was keen for his company to join the Mutual as he felt it understood the adventure activities industry and the risks involved. He feels that the Mutual offers benefits not normally available in the conventional insurance market, in particular the Board’s power to agree claims which are not included in the cover. Peter sits on various other committees including the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Training Committee, the Wessex British Marine Federation and National Boat Shows - Vice Chairman (Southampton and London).
Paul Reeve
Paul is co-owner of the Foundry Climbing Centre (Sheffield), Foundry Activity Centre (Great Hucklow) and Cragx Climbing Shop. Established in 1990, the Foundry was the UK’s first privately owned, dedicated climbing centre and has introduced thousands of young people and adults to the sport. Paul was also instrumental in setting up the Association of British Climbing Walls Ltd and establishing the Climbing Wall Operators Guidelines. As an AIM Member, Paul considers the Mutual to be a key strategic partner in helping to run the Foundry safely and professionally, and it is his hope that he can continue in former Director, Steve Taylor’s, (Castle Climbing) footsteps in providing support to the Board to the benefit of the many climbing and bouldering walls that continue to be built throughout the UK.
Paul is married with three children and has travelled extensively. He is an active climber, fellrunner and surfer.
David Eddins
David is Managing Director of Mendip Activity Centre, the activity company he joined as an apprentice in 1995. Working his way up through the ranks David bought the company from its founder in 2006. In 2012 David took over a ski centre with 250 acres of land and created the biggest independent activity centre in the Southwest. “I love the outdoors and everything about it; for me AIM is a great example of how collaboration can make us stronger together, the core of my business ethos in the outdoors.” David’s interaction with other outdoor activity providers, through his 20 year experience in the industry gives him an informed knowledge of the sector.
Jo Airey
Jo Airey is the General Manager at Pinkston Watersports in Glasgow, a charity & home to Scotland’s only artificial white-water course.
Jo started life in travel and tourism in the 1980’s, including outdoor travel services and tourism and developed the Scottish Activity Holiday Association during the 1990’s. Much of her work during this time was in a consultancy role supporting small activity businesses. Research and supporting development across Scotland was a privilege to be involved in at a pivotal time.
She has owned and operated several small businesses across 25 years. Jo is passionate about health, fitness, outdoor education and coaching. She is a keen runner and mountain biker.
“AIM is a crucial way to encourage engagement, wider learning and sharing in a community of best practice”. Jo’s particular area of expertise is in small business development & marketing.
Mike King
I have been a Trustee to the Institute for Outdoor Learning since Feb 2010, which has resulted in me becoming the Chair of the Trustee Board . I started working in the outdoors when I was a 16yr old apprentice and now 35 years later I have the privilege of continuing to enable people to engage with the outdoor environment. Through this journey in the outdoors, I have overseen the development of Releasing Potential which is an education charity that comprises of an Independent Special School, Alternative Provision and Professional Development Programme (with a particular focus on the Management of Challenging Behaviour) amongst its interests. I became a Director of AIM as I want to support our members who are interacting with the outdoors as a positive vehicle for change in people’s lives, enabling them to understand who they are and what they can become.
Lily Bolton-Green
Lily founded Activ in 2004. It now consists of Activ Adventures and Activ Camps, running DofE expeditions, multi-activity holiday camps and breakfast and after school clubs.
She feels it is such a privilege and a joy to be able to provide children of all ages with new experiences and opportunities to keep active whilst having lots of fun. With the fantastic support Activ have received from AIM over the years she knows that she is keeping them, and the staff teams, safe every step of the way.
In becoming a Director of AIM Lily is keen to ensure the service that members receive remains the best it can be.
